Satellite remote sensing, in particular by radar altimetry, is a crucial technique for observations of the ocean surface and of many aspects of land surfaces, and of paramount importance for climate and environmental studies. This book provides a state-of-the-art overview of the satellite altimetry techniques and related missions, and reviews the most-up-to date applications to ocean dynamics and sea level. It also discusses related space-based observations of the ocean surface and of the marine geoid, as well as applications of satellite altimetry to the cryosphere and land surface waters; operational oceanography and its applications to navigation, fishing and defense.

This symposium continued the tradition of mid-term meetings held between the joint symposia of International Geoid and Gravity Commissions. This time, geodynamics was chosen as the third topic to accompany the traditional topics of gravity and geoid. The symposium thus aimed at bringing together geodesists and geophysicists working in the general areas of gravity, geoid and geodynamics. Besides covering the traditional research areas, special attention was paid to the use of geodetic methods for geodynamics studies, dedicated satellite missions, airborne surveys, geodesy and geodynamics of arctic regions, and the integration of geodetic and geophysical information.